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Phase 2: The Shopping Trip

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Shopping...such a hard day's work! I can't lie, as of late, I am usually shopping for the girls, shopping for the store, or grocery shopping..it's rare that I go out alone and have 3+ hours to spend browsing items/stores/departments for no one but me. And yes, it was a dream come true.
When we left off last time, I had completed Phase 1: The Closet Clean-Out. Afterwards, Amy and set a date to get together to let the shopping commence and that's where Phase 2 begins.
I was really looking forward to the experience, and she didn't disappoint. A few days before my session, I was sent an email from the Tina Adams team telling me the date/time of my appointment, items to bring/wear (comfy clothes easy to take on/off, as well as a nude camisole) and then came the fun! Amy had let me know the plan was to meet at Nordstrom and I arrived so we could get going.
Instantly, she greeted me with a shopper's survival kit, complete with mints, water, protein bars, and other necessities that would help make it a great day, as well as a sweet handwritten note...these little details really stand out to me and it's just an added touch that makes this all the more enjoyable.

When working with the ladies at Tina Adams, they make it a truly memorable and personal experience, and we had a private dressing room so we could take our time, I could "model" everything (and I use the term model loosely I assure you), and then Susan (one of the amazing Nashville Nordstrom gurus) helped pull additional accessories for me to check out. Amy had visited a few days prior to our shopping adventure to "pre-shop" for me...to help narrow down options, pull in necessities that were on my must-have list, and to help make the most of our day together.

All in all, we stayed in Nordstrom around 2 hours, pulling different items together, playing dress up with some GORGEOUS gowns, and then deciding on what looked the best/fit my budget/would work well for my lifestyle. We also ventured into Elaine Turner, one of their favorite stores for accessories and shoes, where I might have added a few things to my Christmas list, because I'm now a new fan. Even better, Elaine Turner is an exclusive partner of the Tina Adams Consulting team, so they offer 20% off to Tina's clients...makes it really nice when you're looking at a pair of shoes for $100 and you can walk out with them and only have to pay $80.

Overall, the shopping trip was a BIG win in my book...I walked away with some great pieces that were all on my list, and I found some ways to incorporate some different looks/items into my wardrobe. Here some lessons I took away from my big day out:
1. Their motto is to shop high/low. Pair higher priced, classic, staple garments with more trendy tops/accessories at a lower price point, hence saving money and getting more mileage out of the costly pieces. For instance, they help you find a leather jacket that can be worn 3 out of the 4 seasons in a year, serving multiple purposes for different times of the year. Genius, right?
2. Fewer but better is how they work. It's not about having 25 different black tops and limitless bottoms and dresses, but items you can do a lot with.
3. Buy only what you love...this is so my weak spot. I buy things just because I like them, not because I need them. I have started putting things on hold and if I truly love them, I'll make a point to go back. I aim to avoid these mistakes in the future because I can think of a number of purchases where I bought something, but didn't really love it.
4. Amy's goal is to get her clients to shop smarter, and to save them time and money. The shopping trip is a time to get new pieces to fill in the gaps of your wardrobe, but also a learning experience to educate clients to be able to navigate the big box stores and know what works best for each person's distinct body type, personality, and life.
5. Using a stylist really does help take the stress out of shopping and getting dressed everyday, too. They teach you things you wouldn't necessarily know, and Tina Adams' team doesn't work on commission so it's not like you're being followed around and being stalked by a salesperson (I know you know what I'm talking about). It is an investment, but a great one to help in the long run. In addition, they have long-term relationships with countless stores, so they are able to pass on a 20% discount to their clients at select retailers.
6. Even after our shipping trip concluded, Amy was out and about, shopping for some of the other essentials we weren't able to find that day, and she sent me emails with those links/ideas/pictures/suggestions. I love that just because the adventure is over, that doesn't mean she isn't still looking for me.
Here are some of my new items I added to my closet:

I also added some new nude heels, black ankle pants, a black suede bootie, and a cognac color jacket, and some of these essentials were pieces I picked up solo from my shopping list.

For the final step, Amy will come over for our one-on-one styling session, where she will show me how to pair things, switch up looks, and put it all together. She will focus on incorporating all the new pieces with my existing wardrobe to create all new looks. In addition, she takes photos of every outfit and will then compile that into my very own virtual style book...SO excited!

- 26 Comments

I think I could definitely benefit from something like this...My closet is just full of stuff. Stuff I like, but don't love. Pieces that don't go together, so they sit unworn. Just stuff. I rely on a few things that I like, and wear over and over again, and the rest just sits. Definitely going to look into this!

It's a tee by Stem...here is the link: http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/stem-twist-neck-tee/3676406?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=60140280&fashionColor=Black&resultback=520&cm_sp=personalizedsort-_-searchresults-_-1_2_A

What a fun day and experience that was! You look beautiful in everything Natasha! May I ask you what size you have on in the gray twist neck tee? I am also curious if you know what Frye boots those are? I love those!! Thanks.

I've loved reading about your experience so far. I've been on a cleaning out my closet kick, but how nice to have a personal shopper helping you decide what looks best on you and how to use the items you already have and what you need. Looking forward to the third stage!!